Atherton, who has held his position since November 2013, will be ending his professional motorsports career that spanned more than 34 years.

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced that President Scott Atherton will retire at the end of this year, ending a professional motorsports career that spanned more than 34 years.

Atherton, who has held the title of IMSA president since November of 2013, will remain on the IMSA Board of Directors after his retirement.

Atherton started his professional motorsports career as a sponsor marketing executive in the CART (IndyCar) Series in 1985. He later served as president and general manager of Laguna Seca Raceway (now WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca), before joining Penske Motorsports as president of Nazareth Speedway and then California Speedway (now Auto Club Speedway).

He was also president and CEO of Panoz Motor Sports Group for thirteen years before co-leading the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) through the merger with the Grand American Road Racing Association (Grand-Am) under the IMSA banner, at which point he was named to his current role.

“As anyone involved in professional motorsports knows, it’s not a job – it’s a lifestyle,” Atherton said. “For the past 34 years, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with some of the most iconic venues and personalities in the industry. I am thankful for the countless men and women I have worked with who enabled me to have a career that has far exceeded my wildest dreams. But I especially want to thank my family who have supported me every step of the way. IMSA is stronger than ever and I am confident it will continue to grow and prosper.”

Ed Bennett will continue as chief executive officer of IMSA and expects to name Atherton’s successor shortly after the conclusion of the season.